Cranberry Bliss Bars

Vivian and I love Starbucks this time of year for their Cranberry Bliss Bars. The name says it all BLISS-ful! The texture is like a chewy brownie, but the flavors include white chocolate, zesty orange, and cranberry. I like to use the bar as a bribe for cooperating in the morning. Last week she got dressed and ready for school like a big girl so I rewarded her with a trip to Starbucks - Cranberry Bliss Bar for her and Signature Hot Chocolate for me. I had to sample and asked her for a little piece and this is what she gave me:

Not quite what I was looking for, but she gave me exactly what I asked for - A little piece.

LoCoMaMa Designs - Bloomin Bands

I have been blessed that I've had the opportunity to meet Colleen Dempsey and Lori Harris of LoCoMaMa Designs. These two ladies have been friends since high school and started their own business about a year ago. I went to school with Colleen's husband Mark and he was advertising LoCoMaMa Designs on his Facebook. I went to a LoCoMaMa open house in Midland and fell in love with their fancy, but functional products. Fast forward to now and I am part of the LoCoMaMas. I create/design the Bloomin' Bands . . . Check them out on the web page. They are so fun - I have a great time working with Lori and Colleen and the other mamas.

Enjoy!

http://www.locomamadesigns.com/bloominbands.html

Convo in the VW.

Today I had the day off so Viv and I (of course) went shopping. This was my favorite conversation that we had in the car . . .

Vivian: Mom, why is there someone else in my class named Vivian?
Me: Your name is Vivian, but his name is Vivi-on. The names are both spelled the same, but pronounced different.
Vivian: Why do we have to call him Vivi-on?
Me: Because that is his name.
Vivian: Can we call him something else?
Me: Sure. Sometimes we call you Vivi or V
Vivian: OOOH MY GOSH, SIS!
Me (puzzled): Did you just call me SIS?
Vivian: Yes - Sometimes I like to call you SIS, mommy.

Excuse You

We were all sitting watching Max & Ruby when:

Vivian: BURP!
Me: Ummm, excuse you.
Vivian (giggling): Daddy, did you hear that?
Justin: Yes, what do you say?
Vivian: Can you ask me what it tasted like?

**Justin and I look at each other shocked and trying not to laugh

Me: Who taught you that?
Vivian (laughing): It tasted like coney dog.

**Justin shaking his head. Me still not trying to laugh

Me: You didn't even eat a coney dog.
Vivian: I know, but that's what Grandma always says. Her burps taste like coney dog!

You Know Mama Had a Long Week When . . .

10. Mama hadn't had a chance to see the weather and sent her child with her fall coat instead of winter. One morning the teacher greets her with, Viv has been complaining that she is cold in that jacket.



9. The cafeteria workers ask her if her lunch is "for here" or "to go" and she replies with "french fries, please."



8. Mama had to schedule "bathroom breaks" in her Outlook calendar to remind her when to go . . .



7. She walked out of the office at midnight only to find that her car lights had been on since noon. Thankfully, it started!



6. Dinner is served out of the candy vending machine.



5. Mama takes the elevator down one floor.



4. Mama takes the elevator up one floor.



3. She step in the elevator and can't understand why it doesn't move . . .It takes awhile for Mama to realize she is pushing the 8 button and that is the floor she is already on.



2. Five hours of sleep feels like 9 hours of sleep.



1. Standing in front of the mirror spraying perfume in her hair instead of root boost.



** Yes - That was Mama's week last week . . .


Jennifer Freeland
Jennifer Mott Freeland

Life is Your Art - life. love. joy.

Each year we get Viv's pictures taken professionally for our holiday card. I wanted something different this year and admired the work of Renee' at Captured Photography (http://www.capturedphotographyart.com/). I scheduled a photo shoot - The next big step (or so I thought) was going to be picking out an outfit for Viv. I came across this Esty shop, http://www.etsy.com/shop/bobbityboo and was thrilled with what Bobbityboo had to offer. We heart Bobbityboo and she has quickly become our Auntie Bobbi. So . . . Picking the outfit out was easy, showing up with Viv at the nature center was easy, waiting for the proofs was hard, BUT the decision of what pictures to order is going to be the hardest!!!!! I want them all!!!

To see Renee's favorite photos from Viv's shoot, check out her blog: http://capturedproductions.typepad.com/cp_photography/

Enjoy!!! Let me know your choices for our holiday card this year . . .

Say Cheese!

I wanted to take Viv's picture this morning to give everyone a sneak peak of her Halloween costume. I got her placed up on the chair and told her to say "cheese" . . . . Instead I got a "PEACE MOM".

Over and . . . Over and . . . Over Again.

Wiggly giggly watermelon, honey dew, banana too, cherry and blueberry, raspberry and sour, lemon squeeze, try one please.

Viv has been singing this song over and . . .over and . . . over again. I thought she learned it at school, but I googled some of the lyrics and to my surprise it's a song off the new Nickelodeon show Fresh Beat Band. The song is so catchy that Justin and I have caught ourselves singing it at home, in the car and most embarrassingly . . . at work . . .

Mama made Viv a new Beanie!

Girls Night!

Tonight Justin had parent/teacher conferences so it was a girls night. On the ride home for Grandma Becky's house I asked Viv what she wanted to do. She said that she wanted to put her pajamas on, eat dinner in bed and watch TV. Sounded like a perfect idea to me . . .

**Note her adorable headband from Auntie Bobbi (http://bobbityboo-bobbi.blogspot.com/)

The Bobbity-Best Award!

One of my favorite things to do is shop on Etsy. In case you don't know what Etsy is: "Esty is your place to buy & sell all things handmade." I randomly came across Bobbityboo's shop and fell in love with the cuteness of her handmade skirts. See here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5813021&section_id=5524632 Bobbityboo's prices are so reasonable - $18.00 for the skirt and $2.00 of shipping . . . Not to mention her turnaround time is quick.

Then I fell in love with her appliques . . . I ordered a "V" for Vivian ($8.00): http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5813021&section_id=6473437

Bobbi has become my new BFF and favorite Esty seller - I hope you enjoy her solid quality products as much as I do! BTW - Last night I found out that I won her FIRST Bobbity-Best Award . . .http://www.bobbityboo-bobbi.blogspot.com/. I am very blessed and honored that I have gotten the chance to get to know Bobbi and her adorable creations!

Stay tuned for pictures.

The Vivian Show - Writing Words and Reading Sports Illustrated

We are so PROUD!

Viv started her second year of preschool a couple of weeks ago. The first week, we received this picture and email from the director of the school. We are so proud!!!

"Wow, has Viv ever matured over the summer! She is so calm, secure and confident starting out this school year. She has moved right on up to a friend in the classroom that is a great example, model and friend. She is helping other children who are going through a bit of insecurities, work through them, because she can relate! She is using the magadoodle for handwriting, the reading area and the dry pouring works. If you get a chance to come and observe Viv at work, it would give you a great sneak peak into her world here at school!"

Tiffany Jaime, Head of School

Montessori Children's House

Viv's Future

We always wonder what Viv is going to grow up to be. Is she going to be a . . .

Teacher?

Olymic Swimmer?

Interior Designer? Fingers crossed NOT!

Acrobat in Cirque de Soliel?

Cowgirl? Does she know they smell?

Play for the LA Sparks? Please!!!

We have no idea what she is going to be, but she will be smiling!

Hannah Montana Wannabe . . .

Hannah Montana The Movie came out on DVD yesterday. This is how we spent the last two nights before bedtime. . ...

Sorry that it's a little dark!

Is it iCarly or The Vivian Show?

Ummm . . . The wedgie bounce?? Yeah, it stops there!

She's Baaaccck . . . Kind Of . . .

I just wanted to let you know that I have been having a lot of fun while being on hiatus from The Vivian Show. . .

I went to Nature Camp at the nature center with my Nana and Tiger. I found a friend that likes iCarly as much as me. Her name was Lauren and she was my camp counselor - She told me she was THIRTEEN years old.

I've been busy shopping with Mom and found some great deals. I love these shoes the best - They remind me of Hannah Montana. They hurt my feet a little. Mom says it's all about the look, NOT the comfort.




My mom and dad created a chore list for me. I get $1.00 a day if I complete my list of chores each day. My favorite is cleaning the toilets - I think making stew with the toilet wand is fun. My mom says this is her least favorite job so she's so happy that I like to do it for her. I also voted for Midland as the Best Tennis Town in America (see my yellow button).

My dad took me to the spray park a couple times this summer. It was his idea and I had so much fun. I really like the water this year!

I kept doing this just to annoy my dad - I was just trying to wash my hair.

Sometimes I have quiet time in the afternoon. I like to listen to Hannah Montana on my iPod. My daddy bought me an iPod that mommy and I share. It has mostly all my songs on it. I really like the Mama Mia soundtrack too.

One day my mommy and daddy took me to the local zoo. I had a lot of fun seeing all the animals and riding on the train.

By afternoon I was hot, hungry and tired. My mom kept saying, "Vivian you are driving me crazy!" - My daddy couldn't have taken a more appropriate picture.

Sometimes I like to order a juice and fruitsnacks from my backyard service (aka mom and dad). My mom always asks if I like I live in the VIP section of neighborhood. I laugh and then she gets me my order.

I have the best parents in the world. They are my biggest fans and love me to pieces . . .

Until next time . . . .

Love, Vivian

The Vivian Show is on a hahy-ey-tuhs

Just to let you know Vivian is on a hahy-ey-tuhs from The Vivian Show . . . When will she be back?? Stay tuned . . .

New Wheels . . .

A couple weeks ago we spent way too much money at the local bike store, but it was worth the fun that we are having . . .

High Five for Pedicures!

I love teaching Viv the finer things in life. I sat in the chair next to her and she would reach over with her hand and say "High five for pedicures!"

The Vivian Show

Episode: And so and so and so and so . . .

She's back . . .

BTW - Grandma said Kevin is the cutest Jonas Brother!

Playing basketball in a "Pretty Dress" . . .

In one more week Vivian will attend Justin's basketball camp. They have been practicing in the driveway. Justin thinks she has good ball handling skills . . . I think she has great fashion sense.

Do you know the continents?

A few weeks ago we received Viv's preschool report card . . .

Me: This is why I love Montessori - She learns about things like the continents.

Justin: Yeah . . . That's great.

Me: Justin, she's FOUR and has "mastered" the seven continents! I don't think I know all seven.

Justin: (annoyed) Jenny . . .Come on, you know the continents!

Me: Hmmm I don't think so . . . Viv will need to give me a refresher . . .

The Vivian Show

Four going on Fourteen . . .

Sale-A-Holic

Some people think that I am a shopaholic, but I'm really not. I would say that I am more of a saleaholic. I typically only shop the sale racks. Today I went to Oak River and noticed that the Coach outlet had a lot of traffic in their store. OH MY WORD . . . They were having the best sales ever. I got this purse for approximately $100.00 - It was originally $349.00! Justin noticed my new purse on the table tonight and asked if I bought it today . . . I said "No, I got it a long time ago." Three hours in my mind is a long time ago . . .

Letter Perfection

While I was trying to perfect my letters . . .

Vivan was trying to perfect hers . . .

I eat the cake

One of Viv's favorite songs from Maggie and the Ferocious Beast . . .

"I eat the cake. . . I think it was a mistake. . . Cause now I have a stomach ache . . ." The end!

Coloring Easter Eggs

Rule # 1. Please do not put your hands in the colored water

Good listening skills or not, we had a lot of fun. She decorated all the eggs with Hannah Montana stickers.

On the Phone with Hamster

My dad called tonight and Viv answered the phone. Just this past week she has started calling my dad "Hampster" instead of papa . . .

There are several fibs in this short conversation . . . If you can hear Viv (over the Hannah Montana episode blarring in the background), she says "I'm not at her house." This was her reply to him when he asked if he could talk to me. Then she says, " I am on my way, I'm on the sailboat." THEN, "I'm there now." and hangs up on him. He calls back . . .

My favorite line in this call was when she asks "Hamster" if he can turn on Hannah Montana for her at the township hall. There is never a dull minute when she is around AND she might get her fibbing from her MAMA because I fibbed and said that I wasn't making a video of her. . .

High Fever and Cough

The little drama queen has been sick since Monday . . .

I asked if I could take a her picture and of course she requested that we take more than one . . .

a silly face . . .

a coughing picture . . .

and a picture with sunglasses because, "Mommmm, I can't see when I'm sick!!"

and my favorite . . . a HAPPY face!

Bathtub Conversations

Conversations in the bathtub . . .

Vivian: Daddy, who has a wee wee?

Justin: Why do you ask?

Vivian: Because I want to know. Who has a wee wee?

Justin: Sooooo . . . What do you think is on Nickelodeon tonight?

Vivian: I'm not sure, maybe Olivia.

Dancing in the Streets

We borrowed this from Grandma B . . . .

and this is Vivian "Dancing in the Streets" . . . .

It's my party, and I'll cry if I want to . . .

Yesterday morning I received an email from the director of Viv's school asking me if I worked out to Richard Simmons. I immediately started laughing. Instead of emailing Tiffany back, I called to explain that I don't workout to Richard Simmon's, but Vivian goes to her Grandma B's every afternoon and they exercise to "Sweatin to the Oldies". Tiffany laughed and said that Viv asked if she could sing "It's my party and I'll cry if I want to" by Richard Simmons. Today Viv asked her teacher if she could sing Peggy Sue . . . Another Richard Simmons Sweatin to the Oldies Song . . . Tomorrow it will probably be "Gimme Some Lovin" . . .

Typical Sunday Morning

Viv wanted to make a General Hospital video this morning, but ended up putting on a Hannah Montana concert.

Uncle - OMG!

Duh!

Friday when I got home from work I found Viv and Justin eating dinner at the table. When I saw Viv I laughed . . . .

I said, "Vivian, what is that in your hair?" She was all, "Mommmm, it's a headband, duh!"

Morning Juice

Viv informed me this week that she would like her morning juice in a mug with NO straw. She went on to explain that she is too old to be using straw - they are for babies and she is four years old.

Oh Pickles!

Viv and I were playing blocks together on the floor tonight. When one of her block towers fell . . . . .

Viv: Oh crap!
Me: Viv we don't say that.
Viv: Oh crapola!
Me: Viv we don't say that either. Those aren't nice words.
Viv: Oh GOD!
Me: Vivian you know that is not a nice word. How about 'Oh pickles'?
Viv: OH CRAP! Crapola!
Me: Viv do you want to lose your privileges? You really need to talk like a nice girl. Oh pickles!
Viv: Oh PRIVILEGES!! Mom is that a nice word?

She is eating carrots???

A couple weeks ago we received this picture of Vivian in our Family Folder at school. I couldn't believe it . . . She's eating carrots??!! It is good to know that she is getting vitamin A and beta-carotene someplace because she certainly isn't getting them at home. We try to get her to eat vegetables all the time, but she nearly gags at the sight of them. I chalk it up to school peer pressure . . .

We have a little fibbing problem . . .

Over the past weekend we noticed that Viv started fibbing a lot. The fibs are harmless, but we definitely want to teach her to tell the truth. Sometimes it's really hard not to laugh because she comes up with some good ones:

• Fib #1. Tonight she was talking to Grandma Becky on the phone and I heard Viv tell her that she was home by herself. She explained that I was still at work and Justin was grocery shopping. Truth: Viv and I were sitting at the dining room table together and Justin was at a basketball game.
  
• Fib #2. On Saturday Viv was helping me with the laundry and I asked her to put the sheets in the washer. She came running to me (crying) and said that daddy took the sheets from her and put them in the washer wrong. Truth: Justin was in the family room watching TV and had no idea what Viv was talking about.
  
• Fib #3. I was taking Viv to school and all of a sudden she screams from the backseat that Hazel bit her. Truth: Hazel is her doll and she wasn't even in the car with us.
  
• Fib #4 Viv helped me make lasagna for dinner tonight. As I was cleaning up she said, "I didn't take a picture of your money maker." Truth . . . .

Is it summer yet???